Winners Cup 2025: unity, excitement, and fun

Emotions, smiles, affection. The sixth edition of the Winners Cup ended with the success of the Pestotti team, made up of players from Genoa and Turin. However, the biggest victory at the 'Sandro Pertini' Sports Centre in Cornaredo was brought by the 250 young participants, who are either current or former oncology patients from Italy and across Europe (Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands), who played with enthusiasm and determination in front of a crowd of over 500 spectators from local youth centres in Lombardy. The tournament once again proved to be a celebration of joy and life, able to transform football into a tool for unity, reflection, and hope.

In line with tradition, the Winners Cup began on the evening before the tournament with a special welcome for all the teams. From the Nerazzurri, Ivan Cordoba greeted the young players, doctors, and supporting staff, offering words of encouragement and the support of the entire Inter family.

Lautaro Martinez also spoke to the participants through a video message:

"This is an incredible celebration," commented Prof. Andrea Ferrari, pediatric oncologist at the National Cancer Institute of Milano and coordinator of the AIEOP Adolescent Working Group (Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology), 'but it should also serve as a day to reflect, and highlight matters to do with adolescent oncology, Young people don't often realise they coulf become ill and sometimes risk not receiving the best care. Talking about it through a fun activity like sports makes it easier.'

From the Netherlands, the colourful Dutch team also spoke about the magic of the event: "This will be an unforgettable memory. It was fun to play, even though we didn't end up winning any matches, and we're very grateful for this event. It's great to connect with other young people and realise that there's no shame in illness."

Marta, a player from FC Int, shared the same feelings: "We often feel different, but here we feel more able to express our difficulties. It's a very meaningful experience with a strong sense of unity. And it's really special to bond like this outside of the hospital."

The unsettled weather during the Winners Cup symbolically reflected the story of these young players, with the eventual sunshine representing rebirth and a fresh start. Massimo Achini, president of CSI Milano, enthusiastically noted: "We are very pleased with the sixth edition of the Winners Cup; the tournament continues to grow in numbers and generate emotions. What we know for sure is that from next year, the Organising Committee will be made up of the players themselves. The dream is to play the final at San Siro, during halftime of a Serie A match."

The Winners Cup is organised by FC Internazionale Milano with the support of BPER, together with CSI Milano, the Bianca Garaviglia Foundation, FIAGOP, AIEOP, and SIOPE. A project that continues to grow every year and holds a powerful message: the greatest victory is life itself, and it's always best played as a team.